These Vintage Photos Prove That Roller Derby Has Always Been Cool

Revival Attempts

Throughout the 1970s until the 1990s, several attempts were made to revive the sport. The only one that saw minor success was the International Roller Skating League (IRSL), which ran for just over a decade from 1977 to 1987. The IRSL faced a constant battle for TV support as games like baseball and football grew in popularity. Eventually, contracts were dropped in favor of broadcasting the latter.

RollerGames

RollerGames was created in 1989 by two television producers. The show presented a theatrical version of the sport, featuring a steeply banked figure-eight track, an alligator pit, and a number of skaters who had both been in the previous Roller Games league as well as younger players. Although the show was extremely successful, it only lasted 13 weeks before being canceled.

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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.